Report: Honda to provide hybrid tech to China automakers

22 April 2012

The Nikkei reports that Honda Motor Co. will provide its core hybrid car technologies to a number of Chinese automakers, probably starting with it local joint venture partners, Dongfeng Motor Corp. and Guangzhou Automobile Group Co.

Japan’s third-largest carmaker by production volume aims to push its hybrid technologies in the world’s biggest auto market by encouraging Chinese car manufacturers to share its unique hybrid system. China has become the world’s largest energy consumer, which is why Beijing is actively promoting the use of environmentally friendly vehicles.

However, Honda’s sales in China have long been sluggish, which is why the automaker trails its European and US rivals in the country. It is now trying to orchestrate a turnaround by aggressively pushing its hybrid vehicle technologies.

...Thus far, the automaker has been cautious about providing its cutting-edge hybrid technologies to other companies, due to fears that it could lose its competitive edge. However, it is now changing its tactics. “We hope that other automakers will use our IMA technologies,” said one Honda executive. “We want to set industry standards for hybrid technologies in the world’s biggest car market.”